This calculator can be use to calculate the overall heat transfer coefficient and the heat transfer through a multi-layered wall. The calculator is generic and can be used for metric or imperial units as long as the use of units is consistent.
The overall heat transfer coefficient is a measure of the overall ability of a series of conductive and convective barriers to transfer heat. It is commonly applied to the calculation of heat transfer in heat exchangers, but can be applied equally well to other problems.
In composite systems, it is often convenient to work with an overall heat transfer coefficient, known as a U-factor. The U-factor is defined by an expression analogous to Newton’s law of cooling
Learn the overall heat transfer coefficient formula, SI units (W/m² K), how to calculate UA, and use our free heat exchanger U-value calculator. Engineering guide with worked examples.
The overall process can be translated through an overall heat transfer coefficient often noted U. Important notice : the overall heat transfer coefficient allows to calculate the heat flux due to conduction and convection, however, in some applications, radiations must also be taken into account.
First, we’ll cover the overall heat transfer coefficient definition and heat transfer coefficient units. Then, we’ll explore the overall heat transfer coefficient formula for different applications including pipes, walls, and heat exchangers.
The overall heat transfer coefficient between two fluids separated by a wall is the reciprocal of the overall resistance to heat transfer, obtained as the sum of individual resistances.
The heat transfer coefficient is the proportionality coefficient between the heat flux and the thermodynamic driving force for the flow of heat (i.e., the temperature difference, ΔT):